Why are we fault finders???

I think we...as humans...better yet, as Christians are fault finders in others. We can't wait to point out someone else's flaws, sins or faults! Why is that, I wonder? Sad...isn't it? I am so sick of Christians thinking they are better than others. Yes, we should be separated. We should not "fit in" with the world....but how are we going to win the world if we go around acting like we are better than others. That is prideful.

Proverbs 16:18

PRIDE [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23

A man's PRIDE shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Treat everyone fairly.....

James 2:1-10

¹ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.

² For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

³ And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

⁵ Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

⁸ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

¹⁰ For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

We (christians) of all other people should be the kindest to others. We should be complimenters not criticizers. We have Christ within us. We can win someone over a whole lot easier with kind words rather than a sharp tongue.

We should humble ourselves. James 4 v.10 says "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

I am going to work on myself. I need to compliment people more. Stop the criticizing and critiquing. Stop the fault finding and LOVE people WHERE they are HOW they are!!!

Unspoken

We have an unspoken prayer request! Please say a little prayer for us! Thank you!! God is GOOD!!

One lump or Two....how to teach kids how to handle the injustices of LIFE!!!!

Here are some helpful thoughts regarding letting my kids handle life's lumps, whether deserved or not.

1. Teach your kids that when you mess up and it's your fault, "take your lumps."

Don't whine about it. You deserve it. Take it.

2. Teach your kids that sometimes you "take your lumps" because life is difficult.

It's no fun, but you aren't Job. Get over it. It's just God's way of allowing life to toughen you up. You can't control who your parents are, where you go to school, your looks, etc.

3. Teach your kids that sometimes you "take your lumps" because you are mistreated.

This is the hardest one to deal with, but Jesus understands your pain. He dealt with the same thing.

4. As a parent, I don't have to make sure that everything that happens to or for or concerning my kids is fair.

5. Realize that not everything is about your kids.

6. I was treated unfairly at times and survived (with very few ticks and glitches:).

7. I was treated unfairly and accepted both the pain and the mistreatment as part of life.

8. I am allowed to let my kids be treated unfairly and not do anything about it.

9. I do not have to let it fester or get bitter.

10. If I handle the situation without bitterness, then almost always, so will my children.

11. If I overreact as a parent, it will usually end up as a bigger problem than the original problem.

12. If my kids feel like the world is against them, it is my fault through either my bad example, or lack of training them.

13. If I feel like I've been an underdog all of my life, then my kids probably will too.

In other words, before I can show them how to handle it, I must deal with my own issues first.

14. When my kids are mistreated I have the opportunity teach them several lessons:

a. Maybe the other person misunderstood the situation.

b. Maybe you misunderstood the situation.

c. Maybe the other person is in the wrong. (We didn't expect perfection, did we?)

d. The other person can handle something wrongly and still be a great person.

e. The other person can handle something wrongly and that doesn't mean they're out to get you.

f. The other person can handle something and you perceive it wrongly and it had absolutely nothing to do with you.

g. Only shallow people think that how the other person treats us is the measuring stick to determine whether they are a great or horrible person.

15. If I run to the aid of my kid, I'm teaching them to depend on me, when the very purpose of my training them is to make them incrementally less and less dependent on me.

Ephesians 6

⁶Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

dirt

"Worry about the dirt on your own front porch instead of the dirt on mine"

If we all could be more concerned about the sin and junk we have in our own lives instead of worrying about jack and jane's sins.....maybe we could actually clean up some things in our own lives.

Often times when I find myself weak....it's because I haven't been in the book that keeps me STRONG!!!

Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

"Some Christians are stumbling blocks to the world when they should be stepping stones."

So this quote leads me to think about what I am and who those are around me that I associate with?

I, as a Christian, know that I am a sinner and have to ask forgiveness everyday for either my actions, my words, my thoughts or things I didn't do that I should have. For the bible teaches us that knowing to do something and not doing it is a sin as well. Therefore, knowing these things about myself.....what am I to people?

step·ping–stone

noun \ˈste-piŋ-ˌstōn\

Definition of STEPPING-STONE

1

: a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream)

2

: a means of progress or advancement

stum·bling block

noun \ˈstəm-bliŋ-\

1

: an obstacle to progress

2

: an impediment to belief or understanding :

So here I have the dictionary definitions of what the two mean. Not that we didn't know, but sometimes we need to see it on paper. So am I a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

Let's see......stepping stone....means of progress or advancement.....okay.....is my testimony what it should be in order to help someone progress in their Christian life? Is my testimony strong enough to help a lost soul come to KNOW Christ as their personal Saviour. Am I that stone that they can step on to be able to go where they need to go? Am I an encourager to the down in spirit? Am I a provider when a need arises? Do I help my church and church family when a something needs to be done? Sometimes in order to get from point a to point b...you have to cross over.....sometimes what lies beneath you is hard and dangerous....maybe it's the rushing water with strong rapids...in which you need some heavy strong stones to step on in order that you make it across. Am I that stone for someone to step on? Sometimes we must be USED......and spent. So these are some thought provoking questions. If we are honest, we will take these questions and ponder on them and prayerfully ask the Lord to help us to be a stepping stone for others. I truly have a desire to be a stepping stone......even though sometimes getting stepped on HURTS.

Stumbling Block.....an obstacle!! I guess we could apply the same list of questions from above to go down here. An obstacle. Am I standing in someone's way? Is my "Christian" life discouraging someone because I am a FAKE? Am I hurting the cause of Christ? Am I trying to encourage someone to do wrong? There are many Christians out there living a lie.....living like they are saints on Sunday and Wednesday night, but throughout the rest of the week.....live like the devil. Am I "ONE" of those Christians? Oh how dangerous it can be to be a stumbling block to someone. Am I leading someone down the wrong path by tempting them to do something that is wrong? Is my attitude an obstacle...does it get in the way of someone trying to do the Lord's will?

There are SO MANY things that we must ask ourselves.....truly be transparent and ask ourselves. Are you surrounding yourself with people that are stumbling blocks or stepping stones in your life? There are folks that I know that try to put on this holier than thou attitude, but truly are stumbling blocks in my life. Often times I get so frustrated.......but my Lord knows all about it. God sees the heart of a man......and judgment will come by HIM..in HIS time, not mine.......and I will be judged as well for the person I am. Oh Lord, help me to die daily........if I am hindering someone from being a better Christian......help me to move from in front of them to underneath their feet.

Where are we going? CRAZY!!!

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Boy......sometimes I sure do feel like I am going to go insane. When we get in the car, Emma often asks me where we are going and I always answer her.....CRAZY!!! We are going crazy!!! Not only do I feel insane, but man, so many times I feel like such a bad parent!!!

Today has been...ONE of THOSE DAYS, ya know....the ones momma said there would be...haha!!! The kids have been at each other's throats today and it started from the moment they woke up. Tyler said something to Emma....Emma went balistic and where does that leave me.....in the looney bin!!! So, punishment, NO TV, NO XBOX, NO KINECT. CHORES AND SCHOOL ONLY!!! And, the worst part.....they aren't allowed to speak to each other AT ALL today. I am hoping by not being allowed to speak to each other, they will in turn realize how much they need each other and enjoy each other's company. Most days in my home are so peaceful but wow.....not today at least not this morning. Things have been better since they haven't been speaking and boy, the house sure is quiet.

I feel like a failure more times than not when it comes to parenting. I hope and pray that my children turn out in spite of me. I am thankful though that with the Lord failure isn't final and with HIS help, we will be able to raise well adjusted, healthy, happy children.

So, I will go now.....and put back on my straight jacket and sit in a corner and pray.....I need some solitary confinement where it is just me and my sweet Lord!!!

the love of my life...

I just wanted to take a little moment to post about someone who is SO SPECIAL to me. This man is not only my best friend, he is my wonderful husband. Coming up this April we will celebrate our 14 year anniversary. He is one of the most caring, loving, selfless men that I know. Hard-headed....yes....haha, but wonderfully imperfect and I love him more and more with each passing day. He can make my blues go away with just the faintest of smiles and the corniest of jokes. I often times feel he is misunderstood and I wish folks could know him the way I know him. He truly sees the BEST in everyone and is one of the most positive people I know. He makes me a better person. We have been thru trials and he is always so strong. I love the fact that the Lord gave me such a godly man. A man who truly desires to have the heart of his FATHER. He is the spiritual leader in our home and I am thankful for that. He takes care of me and our wonderful children in every area of our lives. He is hard working.....and so many times, I just wish he could get a break! Brad is an encourager to me and others. He is an awesome daddy. That is one of the reasons I wish he had a different job...so he would be able to spend more time with them. He misses seeing his kiddos!! As this valentine's day approaches and our anniversary, I just want him to know how much I adore, love and respect him!!!! I love you Bradley!!!!

Thank You Lord......

For making the sun to shine. Putting the stars in the sky.
For the flowers that bloom, the ocean so blue. Thank you Lord
For every sparrow that sings and makes sweet melody
For the River that flows. The rain and the snow thank you Lord

I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For everything you've done for me thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For making me whole, saving my soul thank you Lord.

For my whole family, For the joy my children bring. For shoes on our feet, plenty to eat thank you Lord. For the church where I worship and pray. For the freedom I have today .For your spirit I feel. Your presence so real. Thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For everything you've done for me thank you Lord.

I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For making me whole, saving my soul. Thank you Lord.

For being a friend so dear. Giving my sad heart cheer. For holding my hand when I could not stand. Thank you Lord. For giving your life for me on a cross at calvary. For taking my place, mercy and grace. Thank you Lord.

I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For everything you've done for me thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For making me whole, saving my soul thank you Lord

Home is where Heart is........

house (hous)

n. pl. hous·es (houzz, -sz)

1.

a. A structure serving as a dwelling for one or more persons, especially for a family.

b. A household or family.

home (hm)

n.

1. A place where one lives; a residence.

2. The physical structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment.

3. A dwelling place together with the family or social unit that occupies it; a household.

4.

a. An environment offering security and happiness.

b. A valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin.

So let me start off by saying that I AM SO THANKFUL!!!!! Truly from the bottom of my heart....thankfulness is overflowing. We have been "down here" in the basement for a year and a half so far. It is nice, it is clean. It is a roof over our heads and warmth to our skin! Hey, let's face it.....we didn't even know that a tornado was 5 miles from us when it touched down. The saying Home is where the heart is.....is true. I truly believe I have made every place I have ever lived in.....HOME. I take pride in every place we have ever dwelt and treated it like my own. With all of that being said.......the fever to have my own home has hit me!!! I can't wait to find our own place and truly make it ours. I have been praying that the Lord opens some doors for us and provides us with a home of our own! This is my hearts desire!!! Thank you Lord for all you do in my life!!!

defeated

Okay....so I totally just wrote a post that I completely blew off some steam and as I went to publish the post, I deleted it. I know I don't have many followers on this blog.....but would totally not want to offend any one that happened to be reading, even though the post was completely about me my feelings.....things could have been taken the wrong way.

So let me just say......I am feeling completely and utterly defeated!!! Like the picture above.....I feel people think my photography is a joke. Truly thinking about hanging up the camera straps and just doing photography for my enjoyment and capturing the memories of my kiddos....for I know they won't critique me in a way that others do!

People and people I know well......confuse me. People hurt feelings and don't seem to care! Sometimes wonder why I even bother!

So enough said.......

~~~NUFF SAID~~~

Not just a window........

Did you know how precious a window is? When you open one up, you can feel the cool breeze on a fall day. You can smell fresh cut grass and hear the crickets in the summer . In the winter you can sit by the fire, sipping hot cocoa and watch as each precious ornate snowflake falls slowly to the ground. For those of you who have windows you probably don't think twice about them(unless it was about complaining because you had to clean them). I really never gave them much thought when I had a house full of them. Now that we live in a basement and do not have any windows......I now know what a blessing it was to have them and I now will Never Ever....take having windows for granted in my house.

Having had sickness in our house the last couple of weeks.....OH HOW I WISH I HAD A WINDOW to open up and let some fresh air in and let some of this stale sick air out.

I know this is a simple hole in the wall covered by glass and a pane that can be beautiful when decorated with a gorgeous tapestry or window covering...........it can let in SUNSHINE........So right now, go to your window....open it and BREATH IN!!! See, enjoy what you have for one day it may be gone. We should find simple pleasures in our lives to enjoy. Just a window.........just a window!!! *SIGH*

A few of my favorite things....

So here are a few of my favorite things. They are not in any particular order and there was no way I could list all of them........hope you enjoy!

I think this is one of the most relaxing enjoyable things to do. I LOVE to sit on the beach. Number one, I just get overwhelmed by the enormity of the ocean and that I am a child of the GOD that created that. Number two.....is there anything more beautiful. The sound, the smell, the feel of the wind. Ohhhh.......I just love to sit on the beach!
Okay....so don't laugh, but sometimes......okay....most always.......when I am taking the warm clothes from the dryer......I bend over and lay my head on the warm clothes and just breath in their aroma. CRAZY...I know. What can I say.....I love WARMTH and things that smell good!
Sometimes us moms just need to stop what we are doing and LISTEN. Listen to the sweet laughter of our children. I love to hear my children laugh.
I can't think of anything more lovely than a sweet hug from a child. I love when my children hug me. They hug with all they have and they love you with out condition.
So this is one of my most favorite things to do.......to cuddle up on the couch with my sweet hubby and watch a movie. I love being in his arms. I love his smell and his warmth....OKAY.....I will shut up now!
Okay.....I don't know what it is, but I LOVE me some party food!!! BBQ little smokies, chips and dip, meatballs, chicken fingers.......oh the list could go on and on.........
I love grilling. I love the smell, the sound......the TASTE!!!! Mmmm....if it were up to me, I could eat grilled food everyday. I love sitting on the porch with good friends, enjoying a nice meal and a glass of sweet tea!!!
I love the smell of fresh cut grass. I especially love the smell of fresh cut grass and a summer rain.......
I love STORMS. I don't necessarily like to be out in them, but I do love the sounds and smells of a good thunderstorm.

I don't know what it is, but I love staying at a hotel. Even if it is only for one night. I guess the thought of being some place different even for a little while.

A Daily Dose of Humor.......

There were two blondes, and they had just came from a store.

The blonde that owned the mustang had locked her keys in the car. She was trying to pick the lock when she stopped to rest for a second.

When she sat down, her friend said, "Hurry up, it's starting to rain and the top's down!"

Count your blessings......name them one by one......

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

I love this song. There have been times in my life when I have felt less than faithful, and certainly less than grateful. I sing this song often to myself when things just don't seem to be going the way "I" had intended for them to go.

I have SO MANY blessings in my life and sometimes you just have to sit down and COUNT them....and I promise you once you start counting them, you will realize you probably can't count that high.

I love the last verse....so amid the conflict whether great or small: do not be discouraged GOD is over all.

MY GOD knows all about my conflicts and trials in my life. I am THANKFUL to HIM and ALL of the COUNTLESS blessings I have in my life!!!!

Have you counted your blessings today?